Computer Science Principles

How can computing change the world? What is computer science? Engage your creativity, demonstrate and build your problem solving ability all while connecting the relevance of computer science to the society! Computer Science (CS) Principles is an intellectually rich and engaging course that is focused on building a solid understanding and foundation in computer science. This course emphasizes the content, practices, thinking and skills central to the discipline of computer science. Through both its content and pedagogy, this course aims to appeal to a broad audience. The focus of this course will fall into these computational thinking practices: connecting computing, developing computational artifacts, abstracting, analyzing problems and artifacts, communicating, and collaborating.

What is Computer Science?

One of Mrs. Rush's Computer Science classes defined computer science as "Computer Science is the understanding of programming, computer functions and problem solving as well as how it applies to other fields, and the social impact on the user."

Another Computer Science class defined computer science as "Computer Science is the study of building and writing computer programs, solving problems with algorithms and understanding how hardware and software works, promoting educational opportunities and helping to expand social opportunity, connecting to different aspects of life, and evolving into something greater than the present."

Various forms of technologies will be used to expose students to resources and application of computer science. Professional communication skills and practices, problem-solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are enhanced in this course to prepare students to be college and career ready. Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the skills required by business and industry.

Computer Science Principles is the second course in the Programming and Computer Science pathways in the Information Technology Cluster. Students enrolled in this course should have successfully completed Introduction to Digital Technology.

Where did all of this technology get started? Let's take a look at the world's first computer.

Competencies in the co-curricular student organization, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), are integral components of both the employability skills standards and content standards for this course. Various forms of technologies will be highlighted to expose students to the emerging
technologies impacting the digital world. Professional communication skills and practices, problem-solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are taught in this course as a foundational knowledge to prepare students to be college and career ready. The knowledge and skills taught in this course build upon each other to form a comprehensive introduction to digital world. You can download the Computer Science Principles performance standards at: https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/CTAE/Documents/Computer-Science-Principles.pdf

Students who experience technical difficulties with itsLearning or Infinite Campus should contact Forsyth Virtual Academy for assistance.

Students who experience technical difficulties with the lessons or mrsrush.net should contact Mrs. Rush through the itsLearning email client or at sanderson-rush@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Assignment: What is Computer Science?

Directions: Do you know what computer science is? Experts on Wikipedia define computer science as "Computer science is the study of the theory, experimentation, and engineering that form the basis for the design and use of computers." Write your own definition of computer science and create a custom digital artifact that depicts Computer Science. Examples of custom digital artifact are: Animoto, infographic, poster (www.postermywall.com), comic strip. You may not use PowerPoint, Prezi, or Google slides. Include your custom digital artifact with your discussion board post.